writing comment codes

Bad codes:

r/o (c/s, f/s): run-on (sometimes broken down into comma splices and fused sentences)

frag: fragments

wc : poor word choice but nice try, includes usage errors (e.g. affect, effect)

ww:  wrong word

wts: weak topic or thesis sentence

dq: dropped quotation into essay without explanation

awk: awkward sentence or phrase

good codes:

sts: strong topic sentence or thesis statement

msv: meaningful sentence variation

bra: breaks rules artfully

wiq: well-integrated quote

um: universal message

hqd: high quality details

gps: good parallel structure

The key to advanced sentences is marshalling the proper use of phrases and clauses to build vivid details, add specific actions, and dramatize feelings.

Mastering a few techniques, such as asyndeton (a list without conjunctions), polysyndetion (a list with a conjunction between each element), along with verbal phrases can demonstrate a mastery of language to your readers that is unseen among most student writers.

easy access to upper level sentence variation:

 **  mix long and short sentences, using the short sentences to create emphasis

 ** tie together related clauses with conjunctions (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)

** appropriately use advanced punctuation--semi-colons tie together 2 independent clauses--colon starts a list or separates a general statement from a specif statement

**  to flash some advanced style, use a delayed or cumulative sentence

**  at least once a paragraph, use a 3 element list in parallel structure, creating a litany of individual items, phrases or clauses, each with the same number of modifiers

** practice the various sentence forms using "The Art of Styling Sentences"

**  identify five advanced sentences used by the author in the selection

**  identify how the sentence style functions in the passage

**  create five of your own advanced sentences

Assignment

The selection for the first assignment is the summer reading book Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracey Kidder.

In addition to identifying and imitating the advanced sentences, please explain in 2 or 3 sentences of your own how Kidder's sentences apply to the key themes of the work.